2/7/2012 - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE N.M. -- Who loves coffee? What about free coffee? It's no secret that many members of Team Holloman desire this hot, refueling beverage. If you happen to be one of them, then the newly established "reFUEL Coffee House," located in the first floor dayroom of dormitory 336, will suit your needs perfectly.

reFUEL is open Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and offers members of Team Holloman a place to relax and socialize while enjoying great beverages at absolutely no cost.

"This coffee house welcomes anyone and everyone who has access to the base, but more specifically, to our single Airmen living in the dorms," said Erin DeRoy, Airman Ministry Center and reFUEL director. "The purpose of reFUEL is to provide a clean, positive, alcohol-free environment for the Airmen."

Along with the welcoming environment, reFUEL also offers a getaway from the stresses of everyday life as a military service member.

"The important thing about the coffee house is that it's a place to escape your dorm room," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Toguchi, 49th Wing chaplain. "You don't have to be stuck alone in that dark room. Get out there and meet some people."

Toguchi isn't only referring to meeting other Airmen who come to enjoy reFUEL, but the people who volunteer their time to allow the coffee house to operate for Team Holloman.

"Each member of the staff is taught, not only how to prepare these gourmet beverages, but also how to be an ear," said Toguchi. "Each volunteer is there because they care about the Airmen and want to reach out as a friend."

Caring is one way of describing those who have worked to make reFUEL possible. Nearly every aspect of its design and construction came from the blood, sweat and tears of volunteers who wanted nothing more than to show the Airmen they are cared for.

Construction of the coffee house wasn't the only aspect in which volunteers were crucial, but the funding for the construction, equipment, supplies including the coffee beans themselves would not have been possible without the help of various donors, such as the Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association and the Holloman Air Force Base Chapel.

"I just want to share that our community really cares about what's going on for our Airmen," said Toguchi. "They want to reach out to them and will be getting more involved helping us provide more resources for our coffee house."

Though reFUEL show signs of continuous gain in support as it grows, Team Holloman has already been highly supportive of the base's newest attraction.

"The coffee house has been very successful so far," said DeRoy. "We've served a near 300 Airmen, which is really positive. I'm very pleased with that result. All of them come in with a first impression of, 'Wow! I didn't expect it to be this nice.' We have a lot of returns, and even 'usuals' now."

So if you're feeling down, need someone to talk to, or just want to get out of your dorm, take a moment to relax in front of the large widescreen television, play some Nintendo Wii, browse the internet on your wireless device utilizing reFUEL's Wi-Fi, all while enjoying your favorite beverage all for absolutely no cost... stop by the reFUEL Coffee House.

"Sometimes, we get discouraged at work," said Toguchi. "Maybe it's just a frustrating day and things just didn't go well. Don't keep it in inside of you. Come over and be a part of that great coffee house. Allow us to work with you, interact and encourage you and help get you back on your feet again."

For more information regarding reFUEL, visit www.Hollomanamc.com or call 915-373-4201.